Eyes are delicate and sensitive external organs. They have to be nurtured and taken care of since the very beginning.
“It’s important for schools and parents to arrange regular eye checkups for the first-, second- and third-grade students,” urges Dr. Subarna Khatry, eminent eye surgeon.
Ever since we were kids, we have been told repeatedly that certain fruits and vegetables keep our eyes sharp and healthy. Carrots, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and avocado are a few out of many that provide the necessary nutrients to our eyes. [break]
In the present context, eyes seem to have more foes than friends. Our environment is full of dust, heat and artificial light which are all major factors causing eye hazards. One should put on sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays while out in the sun. Special goggles are a must if you’re performing the tasks of swimming or welding.
“I don’t usually suggest contact lenses since there’s so much pollution these days,” says Dr. Khatry. “The idea that contacts melt into your eyes when exposed to heat is also a myth. But particle pollution does scratch the lens and the cornea which may end up causing visual impairment.”
Computers don’t make the situation any better. Prolonged use of computers, which is unavoidable more often than not, causes computer-vision syndrome. It happens to those who stare at the computer from a short distance continuously for a long time.
“When you’re working at the computer, you blink your eyes only seven or eight times which isn’t healthy or normal. Prolonged staring, unblinking and focusing causes a burning and itching sensation in the eyes,” explains Dr. Khatry.
To avoid this, one must take a break after a few minutes, close the eyes or just look at something else before turning the attention back to the screen.
Another idea that has been floating around for quite sometime is that washing the eyes several times a day is a key to keeping the eyes clean, healthy and germ-free.
“Never over-wash your eyes,” warns Dr. Khatry. “Even our tears have anti-bacterial components. Too much water dilutes the tears and causes red eyes. So, twice a day is more than enough.”
Similarly, it’s also unadvisable to rub the eyes with a filthy hand or handkerchief.
Myopia is a common problem of eyes that many people face today from an early age.
Similar is the situation with hereditary diseases. Glaucoma is a disease that can be controlled if spotted in time.
“It may be seen in those people with a positive family history of glaucoma. It’s basically the increase of blood pressure in the eyes that can be controlled with correct and timely doses of medication,” offers Dr. Khatry.
Cataract is another common disease which is often regarded as a byproduct of aging.
“Just like aging, it’s impossible to fight this disease,” says Dr Khatry. “It may not affect your vision if diagnosed in time. But it can’t be cured or stopped. It can only be delayed.”
It is important to go for regular eye checkups, preferably once or twice a year, for people of all ages, genders and walks of life. Eyes are one of the best gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. They open the door to the world of colors, patterns, shapes and images. They make life more vibrant and beautiful to us, and therefore, should be handled with utmost care.
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